Backtalk
What readers are saying about Lauren Jackson posing nude; MLB; NBA

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Lauren Jackson

Re: Lauren Jackson posing nude (Seattle Times, June 18): Controversy about nudity just shows how many Americans really need to go somewhere overseas and take the opportunity to see other cultures. Nudity isn't always about porn. And it shouldn't be vilified as though it is.

— Christopher Patterson, Phoenix

Grow up, athletes

It seems so juvenile that these "star" athletes need to focus on the beauty of their bodies instead of the sport they are involved with. Saying "sex sells" is so cheap. Why don't they just keep their baby pictures in their family album? Grow up!

There are too many ding dongs out in public who couldn't care less about the beauty; they just want to lust. What does that have to do with athletic achievements, especially worldwide? Why do we need to promote the baseness of mankind instead of raising the standard of excellence?

— Bev Grace, Redmond

 
We are sensual beings

Sex does sell. But that's because beauty is sexy. We are sensual beings. Many of us, male and female, cheer on people who have the power to make it in the world, based on whatever works.

The person who writes you to complain about it, if they could be transformed into a truly beautiful and alluring person, male or female, sports star or not, you think they wouldn't find out what sexy and sensual and putting that out front would be about? They'd be first in line.

— Wayne Gil, Seattle

Girls won't understand

Jackson's decision to pose nude is decisive for our family. As a parent with young daughters, the Storm brings the added benefit of seeing women achieve because of hard work, sweat, discipline, teamwork and self-achievement. Young girls are drowning in messages to be pretty, skinny and sexy, and Jackson has spoiled our reason to support the Storm.

Our girls won't understand whether she posed for pornography or some charity. I wonder if the Storm has lost sight of why some fathers bring their daughters to a Storm game — maybe not the best basketball in Seattle, but we are buying a great message for our young girls.

— D. Long, Mukilteo

Good for Jackson

Being a founding fan of the Storm and an older feminist hopefully gives me the right to comment about Lauren Jackson's photo. I love it! Good for her! She is beautiful, she is talented, she is smart, but mostly, it's her choice.

There is nothing degrading about the way she looks, definitely nothing to be ashamed of. It is an artistic photo which shows that outstanding, athletic women can also be sexy and very attractive.

Thanks, Lauren, for it is a celebration that women have come a long way, baby — that we have choices, integrity and compassion since the photos will be auctioned off for charity.

— Claudine Erlandson, Shoreline

Mariners

Seattle fans' relationship with their Mariners is like a marriage, one that has taken a sour turn. As fans we are now asking for a divorce. Two legal reasons for a divorce are the "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage" and "the mental incapacity of either spouse."

In this case, we claim both.

Our marriage did have some sweet times — our courtship in 1995 when the Mariners swept us off of our feet. Bringing us the roses of Buhner, Griffey, Big Unit, A-Rod, Edgar and Moyer. Looking us in our eyes and promising a long love affair with 116 wins in 2001.

It was a growing love, and the commitment of the fans was deepening. Fans were ready to give back with stadium funding, season tickets, stadium sellouts. It looked like both parties were ready to love each other and produce that sweet championship that would result.

Until the Mariners' organization started to show they weren't as invested in the marriage as we once thought. In fact, it would soon be known the Mariners were courting another lover — the almighty dollar. We the fans were just the ignorant, loving spouse used for show at social gatherings.

Our first clue came in 2001 when the Mariners wouldn't commit at the trading deadline. Things were going so good, love was in the air and we were ready to forgive. But alas, no championship. Record revenues, record concessions sales, record ticket sales — management got rich and we were left waiting, hoping, believing in next year.

Next year came and went. And the next. No commitment. No championship. We're getting older and wiser, and things we overlooked are now becoming all too clear.

We want a divorce.

Maybe we'll start a new relationship in Portland. It's only one tank of gas away — the same price as a bag of peanuts at Safeco Field.

— Nat Salvione, Shoreline

Lakers

Just a quick comment to tell you that Steve Kelley was right (Seattle Times, June 14). I'm a 51-year-old male. I've never followed any sports and, believe it or not, until a year or two ago hadn't read the sports pages more than a handful of times in my life. But that all changed a few years ago with the Los Angeles Lakers.

My son and I started following the team. We flew to Los Angeles to see a game last year (purchasing courtside seats on the Internet for an embarrassing amount of money). We even drove to Portland this year to see a game.

Once the Lakers fade from the scene, I'll be back to not reading the sports page — no offense intended. But my son and I will have to find something to replace the "family time" we share watching games and talking about the team.

So, yes, you're right. I'm the America who won't be buying NBA basketball once Shaq, Kobe and their team are no longer big.

— Tom Field, Seattle

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